Before manufactured drugs and prescription medicine, healing herbs and medicinal plants dominated the realm of health and nutrition.

In fact, in different countries around the globe, these forms of traditional medicine are still popular. One reason for this is that herbs, plants and other all-natural substances are thought to be far less dangerous than artificial medicines.

One plant that has yet to be studied thoroughly for its reported aphrodisiac, analgesic and antimicrobial effects, among others, is Bulbine natalensis.

B. natalensis in traditional medicine

B. natalensis is one of the three species of the bulbine plant, a perennial plant marked by its bright, star-shaped blooms. It’s also the most commonly used species of the three.

In traditional medicine, this South African shrub is used to treat all sorts of conditions and health complications, from bacterial infections to diabetes. In fact, the Xhosa and Zulu people of southern Africa also use the plant to treat convulsions in children.

South African healers also use the roots of the plant to purify the blood and treat bladder problems. If applied topically or as a poultice, B. natalensis can also help treat burns, cuts, scrapes, blisters, insect bites, mouth ulcers and other skin conditions.

Health benefits of B. natalensis

B. natalensis is much touted for its medicinal properties. In fact, it’s becoming more and more popular around the globe as people turn to all-natural medicines and traditional forms of medicine. Here are some of this plant’s reported health benefits and uses:

Increases testosterone levels

In the South African market, B. natalensis extract is sold as a testosterone booster, and for good reason. Earlier animal studies found that it helps stimulate the production of male sex hormones and sperm.

Boosts libido

Having trouble getting it on in the bedroom? Get your hands on some B. natalensis supplements. Even in traditional settings, the plant is used to stimulate sex drive. Some users also report that the plant is a potent natural treatment for erectile dysfunction.

Fights pathogenic fungi

B. natalensis contains phytosterols, a group of molecules that are related to cholesterol. Studies found that phytosterols play a key role in immunity against pathogenic fungi that can cause fungal infections.

Protects against bacterial infections

The plant’s immune-boosting effects are also potent against bacterial infections. In fact, it has been found to fight off certain bacterial strains, such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.

Repairs skin

If crushed and applied as a poultice, B. natalensis can help speed up the healing process of damaged skin tissues from burns, scrapes, cuts and the like. Plus, its antimicrobial properties can keep infection at bay as the skin heals.

Increases muscle mass

B. natalensis is also said to encourage an increase in strength and muscle mass because of its effects on testosterone. Certain organic compounds in the plant, such as alkaloids and saponins, also contribute to muscle health.

Fights inflammation

People suffering from joint pain due to rheumatoid arthritis can also benefit from taking B. natalensis. Current studies maintain that the plant has anti-inflammatory effects that can also help ease sore muscles.

Energizes

Need an energy boost? Take B. natalensis supplements. Besides an increase in libido, users also report a significant increase in both their mental and physical energy after taking B. natalensis.

Supports gut health

In some cases, abdominal cramps, diarrhea and other gastrointestinal issues might be caused by bacterial infections and other pathogens. Protect your gut by upping your consumption of antimicrobial plants and herbs, such as B. natalensis.

Manages diabetes

Emerging research has found that certain species of bulbine plants, including B. natalensis, possess anti-diabetic effects.

Is B. natalensis safe?

Despite the herb’s documented benefits and uses in traditional medicine, current studies on B. natalensis are scant. In fact, there has only been one human study to date, and it only looked at the short-term use of B. natalensis supplementation to no significant results.

On the other hand, an earlier animal study found that high doses of B. natalensis extract caused slight distortions in the liver and kidney of rats. The author noted that these changes might affect proper liver and renal functions.

Based on this study alone, you might be ill-advised to take high doses of B. natalensis as it has the potential to affect the liver and kidneys. Therefore, if considering using B. natalensis, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional to get the dosage right.

Sources:

CMS.HerbalGram.com

DrHealthBenefits.com

NCBI.NLM.NIH.gov

EuropePMC.org